(Rochester, NY) – In America, up to 1.6 million youth experience homelessness each year. Up to 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ – while only making up 7% of the greater youth population, disparities for LGBTQ youth are disproportionately high.
LGBTQ youth homelessness occurs for a variety of reasons, including the intersection of homophobia & transphobia, poverty, failed systems, family poverty & abuse and more. Homeless LGBTQ youth are also at greater risk for victimization, sex trafficking, unsafe sexual practices, mental health issues and more.
The Arnett House – a residence dedicated to providing housing and supportive services to LGBTQ and trafficked homeless youth, will soon open its doors. The residence was donated to The Center for Youth in 2018 and underwent extensive renovations, ensuring the residential program can provide uninterrupted support 24/7 365 days a year.
The Center for Youth provides emergency shelters, transitional & permanent housing, referrals, advocacy and more. And just as they’ve done for over 45 years they stand by the side of LGBTQ youth, ensuring a solid foundation for young person to achieve their goals.
The Center for Youth relies on a mix of grants, foundations, corporations, individual donors and special events to provide consistent and affirming shelters to youth. The By Their Side campaign is intended to increase awareness and raise funds to establish a shelter dedicated to LGBTQ and commercially sex trafficked youth. With the financial support from our community, The Center is able to ensure adequate housing, coordination and overall safe-keeping of the most vulnerable citizens in our community.
For information on supporting The Arnett House, click here.